Common Window Treatment Terminology You Should Know, Part Two

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At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we understand how time consuming and challenging it can be to shop for window treatments without the help of a professional. That’s why we’re proud to offer California residents with some of the most innovative and decorative window treatments available. In part one of this two-part series, we discussed some common window terminology you should be aware of including the different styles of window treatments available. In part two, we’ll take a look at some common window treatment materials you should be aware of before you start shopping for new drapes, curtains, and blinds.

When you have a general idea of the types of window treatments you’d like, it’s time to start looking at the different materials available. Curtains, draperies, and blinds can come in a variety of different materials that can add weight or lighten up a room, depending on what you’re going for. Let’s take a look at some popular window treatment materials below.

  • Acrylic – If you’re looking for a lightweight fabric that looks and feels like wool, but is machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and won’t fade in the sunlight, you’ll love acrylic material. Acrylic window treatments are very easy to care for and they tend to hold up very well over time.
  • Chenille – This soft and luxurious fabric is a popular novelty yarn among homeowners. It is often used to create a rough, looped or knotted textured surface.
  • Damask – If you’d like design themes in the fabric of your drapes or curtains, you may want to consider damask. This elaborately patterned, jacquard-woven fabric is created from silk, linen, wool, cotton, and other synthetic fibers. Common designs include flowers, leaves, fruit, and animals.
  • Eyelet – This lightweight curtain fabric is often decorated with small, embroidered holes. The holes are normally laid out in a floral pattern, and the design is often found in trim.
  • Gingham – Gingham is a casual cotton, or cotton and polyester blend fabric that has a small checkered design of colored squares that alternate with white squares. This material is often used for tiered curtains.
  • Lace – As you may already know, lace is a delicate ornamental fabric that is woven in a web-like pattern. It is often combined with other types of embroidery.
  • Linen – Linen is a flat-woven fabric that is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is extremely strong and smooth, and can offer a crisp texture for your blinds or drapes. It can also be blended with cotton, silk, and other natural fibers.
  • Polyester – This synthetic fiber material is machine washable and wrinkle-resistant. Polyester is normally blended with cotton or other synthetic fibers.

dreamstime_xxl_16476412Once you’ve decided what material you’d like to use for your new window treatments, you may want to look into different embellishments to really make your curtains or drapes pop. Let’s take a look at some popular needlework and fabric designs to consider for your new window treatments below.

  • Applique – This is a needlework technique in which different pieces of fabric are embroidered onto a background of fabric to create a unique design.
  • Basketweave – A basketweave is an allover texture design that can be produced by an under-and-over weaving technique. As you may have guessed, the end result resembles the same texture of a weaved basket.
  • Box Pleat – Box pleats are evenly spaced and stitched double pleats. Fabric is folded under on both sides to create a box-like shape. Box pleats can normally be found in the header of draperies.
  • Burnout – A burnout is a decorative fabric design that is produced by dissolving away one or more fibers in a fabric with the help of a weak acid or chemical salt. This is used to destroy some of the fibers on the fabric to create a relief or silhouette pattern.
  • Embroidery – These decorative stitches can be used to dress up the base fabric of your blinds or curtains. Some common types of embroidery include eyelet, chain stitch, and satin stitch patterns.
  • Jacquard – A jacquard weave can be used to create an intricate woven pattern using multiple levels. Some examples include damask fabrics, tapestries, and brocades.

We hope that this blog has taught you a thing or two about the different types of window treatment materials and embellishments available. If you live in Los Angeles and you’re ready to add shutters, blinds, shades, or drapes to your windows, contact our professionals today!

Common Window Treatment Terminology You Should Know, Part One

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If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to give the rooms in your home a whole new look, you should consider investing in different window treatments. From decorative shutters to glamorous drapes, there are a variety of ways to spruce of your home’s interior. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some common window treatment terminology you should know before you start shopping for new shades, drapes, or shutters.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect window treatment solution for their needs and budget. Whether you’re thinking about installing energy efficient treatments to keep those heating and cooling bills down, or you’re interested in learning more about the motorization of your blinds, our professionals can help. Check out our website to view some of our recent window treatment projects or contact us today to schedule a complimentary appointment with one of our specialists!

Window Treatment Terminology

  • Blinds – Blinds are a type of window treatment that is made from horizontal or vertical slats. They are kept in place with a string, cord, or fabric tape. Materials for blinds often include plastic, metal, wood, and heavy fabric.
  • Curtains – Not to be confused with drapes, curtains are unlined, stationery window coverings that can be hung over a window using a curtain rod or decorative pole. Some curtains can be held back with tiebacks or holdbacks to let some light in as well. They are often constructed from lightweight, sheer, or semi-sheer fabric.
  • Draperies – These are window treatments that are often made from heavier fabric. They can be both stationary and mobile, and they can be used with fabric tiebacks or fixed holdbacks mounted on either side of a window. Draperies can be lined for the sole purpose of insulation or light blocking, and they can be used with a variety of curtain rods. They are available in a variety of hanging styles and common materials include brocade, chenille, suede, and velvet. These window treatments often stretch from floor to ceiling, giving them a more formal look for your dining room, family room, or bedroom.
  • Rod Pocket Curtains – Also called pole top curtains, rod pocket curtains have a horizontal sleeve stitched across the top that you can slide a decorative rod through. This allows the curtain or drapery to be arranged in a soft, gathered look.
  • Shades – The term ‘shades’ can refer to a variety of things. From blinds to pleated shades and roller shades, shades are unique window coverings that can be adjusted to fully or partially expose or cover a window.
  • Sheers- Sheers are lightweight, translucent and finely woven fabrics that can be used to obscure a view while letting plenty of light in. They are often used under draperies to create a uniform layered look.

Once you’ve decided whether or not to go with blinds, draperies, shades, or a combination of a few window treatments, it’s time to look at the different styles that are available. Window treatments can range from casual to formal and traditional to modern. You can choose a style based on your unique needs and budget. Let’s look at a few terms to help you understand the different styles available!

  • Ascot Valance – This is a triangular window treatment that is normally used between matching panels. A double rod is often used here, with the panels on the inside of the rod and three ascots on the outside for a finished appearance. You also have the option to insert an ascot between the panels on a single rod.pexels-photo-462197
  • Blackouts – If you’re looking for a way to block out the sunlight in your bedroom, blackout draperies may be a great solution for you. These draperies are lined or coated window hangings that are made from different heavyweight fabrics. Blackout draperies are specifically designed to block out light and insulate windows so that warm and cool air can’t escape the room. Blackout draperies are also a great way to reduce exterior sounds coming from outside your home.
  • Balloon Valance – This is a straight-across valance that is sewn on as a pocket that can be filled with tissue paper for a full and puffy look. If you choose to leave the pocket empty, you can achieve a more tailored appearance.
  • Cafe Curtains – Also called tiered curtains or kitchen tiers, these short and straight curtains often cover the lower half of a window. Cafe curtains are usually paired with some sort of top window treatment, like a swag valance.
  • Cellular Shades – Most known for its distinctive “honeycomb” fabric construction, cellular shades are very popular across the Los Angeles area. These multi-layered, pleated shades are known to trap air, providing the homeowner with a high level of window installation.
  • Grommet-Top Curtains – Also known as eyelets, grommets are metal, plastic, or rubber rings that can be used to reinforce a hole in fabric curtains or draperies. Grommet-top curtains are hung using these grommets, with the help of a decorative rod that can be threaded through the curtain.
  • Pinch Pleats – A pinch pleat is a three-fold, stitched pleat at the top of a formal drapery panel. These drapes are often hung on a traverse rod using hooks that are inserted into the back of the pleat.
  • Roller Shades – These are flat fabric or vinyl shades that roll up into a cylinder. With most roller shades, the shade can be drawn up and down with the help of a spring. Roll-up shades, on the other hand, can be drawn up with cords or a string.
  • Roman Shade – If you’re looking for a window treatment that will give you a tailored, flat look, you’ll love roman shades. The classic roman shade features a flat face fabric that forms to pleats as the shade is raised. The pleats are made with rings that are threaded with cords on the back of the fabric. This allows the shade to be raised or lowered.
  • Swag – Also known as a jabot, a swag is a decorative window top treatment that features a soft, curving semicircle that is centered on the window with fabric that hangs down on both sides. For a highly decorative top treatment, consider using multiple swags at a time. Longer swags offer a simple window embellishment, and they can be made from virtually any fabric.
  • Thermal Backing – Thermal-backed draperies are specially designed to block out light, heat, drafts, and sounds. They offer an extra layer of insulation that most draperies do not have.

In part two of this blog, we’ll discuss some more common window treatment terminology you should be aware of. If you live in Los Angeles and you’re ready to improve your window treatments, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today!

5 Energy Efficient Home Improvements To Consider

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These days, it seems like everyone in Los Angeles is looking for ways to make their home more energy efficient. Whether you want to improve the insulation around your house or you’d like to install energy efficient shades and blinds in each room of your home, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. The truth is, many people want to do everything they can to conserve energy because it is better for the environment, and it can help save them money in the long run. In this blog, we’ll look at five energy-efficient home improvements to consider for your home.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we’re proud to be a leading provider of window treatments throughout Los Angeles county. Whether you’re looking for shutters, blinds, or shades, our window treatment specialists can help you find the perfect options for your needs and budget. Check out our testimonials online or contact us today to schedule your complimentary appointment!
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Improve The Insulation In Your Home

One of the best ways to ensure your structure is energy efficient is to check your buildings insulation. During the cold winter months, your home may be letting out heat if you don’t have the proper insulation. If your home wasn’t constructed with the proper insulation techniques in mind, there’s a good chance you’re wasting an exorbitant amount of energy on your heating and cooling bills without even knowing it!

Replace Old Windows

If you live in an old home or you’ve started to notice that the windows in your home don’t insulate as well as they used to, it may be time to replace your windows. Most older window frames are not as energy efficient as the new ones, and there are a variety of models and styles to choose from. Double-pane windows and other vinyl frames are normally a much better option than just a single-pane window or aluminum frame. If replacing your windows is out of the question, you may want to consider adding window treatments to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

If you live in Calabasas or Malibu and you’re looking for window treatments including shades, shutters, and blinds, be sure to contact the professionals at Arjay’s Window Fashions today. We offer a variety of services including energy-efficient treatments and motorization, and we would love to help you find the best window treatment for your home.

Switch To Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

With the recent advances in modern technology, thousands of homeowners across California are actively looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re home is filled with incandescent light bulbs, switching over to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) or LED light bulbs can make a world of a difference. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two light sources below:

  • Compact Fluorescent Bulbs – These light bulbs typically use 25-35 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. These light bulbs can fit into a standard light socket without an adaptor, and some models are even available with dimmable options. With an average lifespan of 10,000 to 15,000 hours, a CFL bulb is four times more energy efficient than a regular, incandescent bulb.
  • LED Light Bulbs – Also known as a light-emitting diode, LED lights are among the best lighting option for homes and businesses. The normal lifespan of these bulbs is approximately 25,000 to 35,000 hours, which means it can last two to four times longer than a CFL bulb. LEDs also have other advantages over CFLs, like the fact that they can withstand extreme temperatures,and they do not contain the toxic ingredient known as mercury.

Unplug Electronics That Are Not In Use

If you’re like most Los Angeles homeowners, you tend to leave your home electronics plugged in all day. From your iPad to your desktop computer, you probably never think about the cost of keeping these items plugged in as you go to work, run errands, and catch a workout class at the gym. As additional technologies continue to invade the American household, they are seldom unplugged or powered down, which can lead to a rise in your energy bills.

Install A Tankless Water Heater

If your home’s water heater has a 12-year warranty and it’s been in service for 15, it may be time to invest in a more energy efficient model. Depending on how much how water you use on a daily basis and how you’re heating your water (gas, oil, or electricity), there are many types of water heaters to choose from. Among the most common type of water heater is the storage tank version, which consists of an insulated tank in which water is heated and stored until needed. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, use coils to heat the water as you need it, so there’s no need to waste energy heating and storing warm water. These are a great option for people looking to save money on their energy bills, as they can heat water directly without the use of a storage tank.

You can cut your electricity bills in half by setting the temperature of your water heater to warm settings (which can be anywhere between 120°F – 130°F). When it comes to washing your clothes and dishes, you won’t need water that is warmer than that. Another tip is to invest in low-flow fixtures for your showers and baths.

As you can see, there are many energy-efficient home improvements you can make on your home. Whether you decide to switch out all of your incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, or you install a tankless water heater in your laundry room, there are a variety of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, we’re proud to offer energy-efficient window treatments to residents and business owners throughout California. We offer a number of different products and design strategies that can improve your home’s window performance including outdoor blinds, awnings, honeycomb blinds, and roller shades.

Tips For Buying Blinds & Shades For Your Home

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The window treatments in your home can say a lot about your style and your interior home decor. Whether you’re looking for more privacy in your master bedroom or you want to add a touch of style to your living room, there are many different window treatments that can help you achieve the look and feel you desire. If you’re like most Los Angeles homeowners, you may feel a little intimidated shopping for blinds, shades, and shutters all by yourself. Luckily, the window treatment specialists at Arjay’s Window Fashions are here to provide you with some tips and tricks when it comes to choosing the best blinds and shades for your home.

Window Treatments For Your Home

Finding the perfect window treatment for your home may feel like a rigorous task, but once you have an understanding of the various options available, you’ll have a better idea of what blinds and shades will work for your space.

Choosing Rooms To Work On

dreamstime_xxl_29428997Before you start shopping for vertical blinds or wood blinds, take the time to sit down and map out which rooms in your home you’d like to work on. Each room in your home should have its own personality and purpose, and the window treatments you choose should match accordingly. For example, you may want your kitchen to radiate natural light throughout the day, making sheer shades the perfect option for your space. On the other hand, if you’d like to encourage more darkness in your bedroom, you may want to invest in cellular shades. These shades are not only an excellent option for privacy, they can keep your bedroom dark and cool on those early Saturday mornings when all you want to do is stay in bed.

Understanding Your Options

Unless you’re a window treatment expert, you probably don’t have a clear understanding of the different window treatment options that are available. To start, it’s important to note that most window shades and blinds can be broken down into four different features: privacy, energy efficiency, light control, and fashion. Let’s take a look at some versatile window shades and blinds that you should consider for your home:

Roller Shades

If you’re looking for shades that will provide your home with a clean, streamlined appearance, you’ll love the benefits that roller shades have to offer. These shades pair very well under drapes and curtains where additional privacy is needed. With spring roller and other motorized options available, you can mount roller shades inside your window frame for a clean and sleek appearance.

Roman Shades

If you’re looking for a more elegant look, you may want to consider roman shades for your kitchen, bathroom, or study. These window treatments are often made from polyester and polycotton, and they come in manual and motorized options. If your main concern is blocking out light, you may want to look into cloth roman shades.

Cellular Shades

dreamstime_xxl_10919015Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are another brilliant option to consider for your home’s windows. You have the freedom to choose from small single cell shades to large double cell shades, depending on your needs. There are also cordless options available for homes with children and pets. These shades are great for most windows in your home, not to mention they can provide insulation and energy savings on your heating and cooling bills.

Mini Blinds

If you’re looking for a classic and inexpensive window treatment for your bedroom, bathroom, or laundry room, mini blinds may be a great solution for you. Often available in one-inch slats in numerous width options, mini blinds allow you to shorten the blinds to any length so you can control the lighting in each room. Many of these options also feature child-safe tassels and cord stops as well. These blinds tend to look best on narrow windows in bedrooms, kitchens, and workrooms. You can choose from a variety of materials for your mini blinds, including vinyl, and they require minimal care throughout their lifespan.

Plantation Blinds

Another great window treatment you should consider for your home are plantation blinds. These blinds can complement virtually any decor, and you can choose from an array of materials to match the interior of your home. Choose from vinyl or natural wood blinds for your kitchen and white or wood-grain blinds for your bedroom.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners throughout Los Angeles find the perfect window treatments for their needs. From vertical blinds to wood blinds, we carry a wonderful selection of blinds for every room in your home. Browse our window fashions online or contact us today to learn more about our services!

Hire A Window Treatment Expert

When it comes to window treatments for your California home, you not only want a beautiful, custom window treatment options, you want the buying and installation process to be hassle-free. Luckily, many window treatment companies make it easy for you to custom order your shades, blinds, and shutters without having to come into the store or showroom. When you visit Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, one of our window treatment specialists will work with you to ensure you find the perfect window coverings for your home. We’ll also introduce you to the latest design trends when it comes to window treatment materials, durability, and energy efficiency. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, schedule your complimentary appointment today!

Types of Wood Window Shutters For Your Home

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If you’re looking for a way to add charm and elegance to the windows throughout your home, you may want to consider investing in shutters. Window shutters are a unique type of window treatment that can be installed either inside or outside for protection against the elements, privacy, and lighting control. With the large variety of window shutters available on the market today, you may feel intimidated when it comes time to start shopping for your new window treatment. That’s why, in this blog, we’ll look at some popular wood window shutters that you should consider for your home.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, we’re proud to be a leading provider of window treatments throughout Los Angeles county. Whether you’re looking for shutters, blinds, or shades, our professional staff is here to help. If you’re interested in learning more about our company or you’d like to learn more about our window treatment showroom, contact us today!

Window Shutters For Your Home

Whether you want to save money on your electric bills or you’re looking for a little more privacy in your home, window shutters are a wonderful option. These window treatments have been around for hundreds of years, and they can be used for both interior and exterior window treatments, depending on your individual needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular shutter materials to consider for your home below.
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Wood Window Shutters 

Wood window shutters can add elegance and style to your California home. With the large variety of wood shutters available, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect window treatment to complement your home. Before you choose the first wood shutters you see, it’s important to note the differences between the different types of wood available. Whether you’re looking at basswood, alder, maple, or cherry shutters, each one will have its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some common wood shutters to consider for your home below!

Basswood Plantation Shutters

A very popular shutter choice among California homeowners is the basswood plantation shutter. Due to the slow growth of this wood, basswood is known to produce less sap. This can make it easier when it comes time to apply primer or stains to the wood. Since basswood shutters are fairly light in weight, you can invest in larger panels to help improve the interior decor of your space.

Alder Plantation Shutters

If you’re looking for window shutters that offer a rustic charm and beauty, you may want to consider alder plantation shutters for your home. This hardwood is mostly known for its high-quality, furniture-grade finish, which has become very popular among Malibu and Santa Barbara homeowners. This wood possess a fine grain that is very similar to that of cherry, birch, and maple wood.

At Ajay’s, we’re proud to provide our customers with a full line of affordable handcrafted wood and engineered faux wood shutters. We also offer custom window shutters that can be made to order from specialty woods that match your home’s existing architecture. When you visit our window treatment store, you’ll find a large selection of frames, colors, and styles to choose from. If you live in the Simi Valley or Thousands Oaks area and you need assistance choosing the best window shutters for your home, contact our experts today!

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Maple Wood Shutters

Maple wood is a classic material that is often used in flooring, furniture, musical instruments, and more. When it comes to your home’s shutters, maple wood shutters offer a strong and beautiful aesthetic that many homeowners have come to love. As a rugged hardwood, maple is resistant to fire, denting, and splitting, making it a superior option for your home’s window treatments.

Cherry Wood Shutters

Cherry wood is another fantastic material to consider for your window shutters. This wood type offers a natural pigment variation that will darkens with age and light exposure. Grown in the eastern part of the United States and in the southeastern part of Canada, cherry wood’s limited availability makes for a unique and one-of-a-kind window treatment.

Faux Wood Shutters

“Faux” is a French word that stands for false or imitation. As you may have guessed, faux wood shutters are not constructed from wood, but from a solid polyurethane synthetic material that has similar characteristics of real wood. Also known as synthetic shutters, poly shutters, and poly faux wood shutters, these window treatments offer definitive differences between their real wood shutter counterparts. For one, the surface of faux wood shutters is more durable and energy efficient than wood. These shutters also require less maintenance that real wood shutters as well.

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters are made from medium density fiberboard (MDF), which is wrapped in vinyl or PVC coating. While these shutters are not made from wood, you can have them customized to look like real, natural wood.These shutters are known to be very sturdy, while also offering weather- and humidity-resistant characteristics. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to wood shutters, composite shutters may be for you!

As you can see, there are many different types of wood shutters that you can consider for your home. At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, we take great pride in providing Los Angeles county residents with some of the best window treatments available. When you visit our window treatment showroom, one of our experts will work with you one-on-one to ensure you find the perfect shutters for your home. Stop by our window showroom today!